Many fans will remember the shocks, thrills and spills at the 2016 HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens tournament – the first to be held at the Singapore National Stadium in 10 years – and underdogs Kenya had shocked the favourites Fiji in the final to win the title.

So for those who had loved last year’s tournament and are looking for more… under Singapore’s multi-faceted and air-conditioned Sports Hub – the largest free-spanning dome in the world – the next tournament will be taking place in Singapore during the Easter weekend, 15 and 16 April 2017.

Image: Courtesy of Rugby Singapore.

The HSBC Singapore Sevens was a resounding success

Said Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby, “The HSBC Singapore Sevens had been a resounding success and Singapore has really positioned itself as an alternative to the Hong Kong 7s in Asia. The Stadium is probably the top Stadium on offer among our 10 global destinations for the Series. It is an amazing venue where people can walk around the circumference of the stadium but remain connected with the matches going on. This is unlike other stadiums, where you go outside and lose contact with the action.”

Indeed the Singapore National Stadium had scored the perfect score in a World Rugby review, where fans had raved about one of its unique features – the family friendly concourse section within the venue that allows spectators to interact with fans, family, business associates and even strangers in colourful costumes… while the little ones stretch their legs or engage in a pick-up game of tag.

Photo: Courtesy of Rugby Singapore.

Official hotel Pan Pacific Singapore, which had hosted players participating in the Singapore 7s, had also received rave reviews and Rugby Singapore has renewed its exclusive partnership with Pan Pacific Hotels Group, which will meet the accommodation needs of the teams, officials, fans and the media for the Singapore Sevens.

Fans can expect what they got last time… plus much more

Said Low Teo Ping, Chairman of Rugby Singapore, “We had learnt and gained a lot from the event last time and came up with good success. Much of the success was contributed by the infrastructure of the stadium; now going forward we want to live up to these expectations of what Singapore is and that it is really all about excellence.”

So this means that next year, rugby fans going to the HSBC Singapore Sevens, can expect more of what they had experienced this year… plus much more, too.

On the pitch, there will be plenty of rucks and sensational tries as the world’s top 16 teams battle for gold, silver and bronze in a new tournament format aligned with the Olympics. The traditional Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield winning formats will be replaced by the Cup competition and the new Challenge trophy.

Said Low, We have also put in a few things to fine tune the event. Next year’s edition will start much later, at 11am, so that fans can finish their tuition for the day and then bring their families to the stadium to enjoy the rest of Saturday, before soaking up the party atmosphere in the evening.”

Rugby fans can expect much more of what they had in 2016.

He added “Then on Sunday, the rugby action in the stadium will start at 11am again, for those who need to do their worship or prayers in the mornings. Then after that you can really go out and let your hair down, without worrying about missing any of the action. We received a good response from World Rugby and they are supportive of what we are doing.”

As well, the World Rugby sanctioned South East Asia Sevens tournament also returns during the same period, on April 14 and 15, with Thailand defending both the men’s and women’s titles and Singapore aiming to shine on home soil in this crucial lead up to the 2017 South East Asia Games.

Midnight Rugby

According to Low, a new rugby element will also be Midnight Rugby, featuring women’s rugby clubs from around South East Asia. Said Low Teo Ping, Chairman of Singapore Rugby, “The women will play from 9pm to 3am on Thursday and Friday nights and when they finish their games. there will be an opportunity for rugby fans to party till 5am. It will be a real extravaganza of rugby in Singapore, and with the teams wearing panther suits and lit up by neon yellow floodlights, it will be a spectacle.”

He added, “This event originated by the local Blacks rugby club and it was spectacular; so we are bringing it back. It will involve clubs and not nations; logistics wise we think it will be easier because it is cooler in the evenings and in fact we are doing Sports Singapore a favour because we are giving people the opportunity to engage in sports and indulge in a good game of rugby, after the sun has gone down. But this is still on the cards, though.”

There will be lots of action on and off the rugby pitch.

Out of the rugby action

Outside of all the rugby action, fans can expect to rumble at activity zones offering interactive games around the Stadium while the child friendly Fun Zone will be relocated to minimise walking distance and maximise playing time for the children. The Kids Drop Off Zone, which was a massive hit for parents with young children last year, will return to allow parents to leave their kids with minders that will engage them with fun games and activities.

The 7s is a festival of rugby and much more

And Low explained, “The Sevens is not just a sports event. It is a festival of rugby targeted at people who want to have something to do over the weekend complete with an atmosphere and festivities that we are confident will definitely attract more people than the last edition.”

He added, “And with every Sevens event, dressing up is the most important thing of all. Our theme, Show Your Colours, encourages fans to dress up with their best show of colours and support for their respective nations. We really intend to make sure that the whole stadium gets coloured as we get into the early evening part of the event; this is something that can only be done at a stadium with a roof on top.”

For this coming tournament, fans can also expect to receive benefits with their Sevens passes and free transport to join the revery at the designated After Party venues.

It will be a festival of rugby for all.

Said Sam Chan, the General Manager of Rugby Singapore, “We are actually still finalising the exact details for the entertainment, but our main aim is to definitely make sure that fans have a positive experience, and get music to sing along before and after the matches, as well as between games.”

Ticketing for the tournament

Tickets to the 2017 Singapore 7s goes on sale from today, 15 October at 10am sharp. During the pre sale period from 15 October to 31 December, two day season passes for adults ($120 for Cat 1 and $40 for Cat 2) will be on sale. These prices are 20% off the regular prices which will begin from 1 January 2017.

All prices include GST and booking fees.

Fans who purchase the Category 1 free seating passes can also now roam around the entire concourse at Level 3 in their fancy dresses to socialise with other fans.

To encourage more families to attend, the family package (two adults and two youths from ages 12 – 18) will cost $260.

For fans who prefer reserved seating and to be closer to the action, organisers have introduced Platinum ($300) and Premium $200) passes. Besides having a designated seat, Platinum pass holders can also enjoy food, beverages and other benefits as well as access to the Exclusive Platinum Seating Bar.

More than half of the 1,001 Platinum and Premium passes have been sold during exclusive sales for members and friends of the Singapore Rugby Supporters Programme.

Tickets are on sale from today.

Till 31 December 2016, fans can also purchase a hospitality package priced at $1,440 per person. This includes a two day season pass, a back of house tour, chance to meet legends, VIP premium padded seat, concierge service, access to the private hospitality lounge with three multi course buffets per day, free flow of wine and other beverages as well as plenty of other benefits. However, corporations who may be keen to entertain their clients, can purchase 10 or more of these packages at $1,360 per person.

Explained Low, “Sevens Rugby is one of the most colourful sporting spectacles on the planet as you host 16 teams from all five continents and fans from many different countries. Besides spectacular plays and unpredictable try finishes, coupled with dramatic try scoring celebrations, spectators with their painted faces, fancy costumes and unique chants are what adds colour to the tournament. Given the success of last year’s tournament, I strongly encourage fans to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”